By Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt,
Disability Initiatives has said its programme in which it trained women and girls with hearing and speech impairment in Rivers State is aimed at creating employment opportunities for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
The Initiatives is sponsored by the European Union (EU) through the British Council and Agents for Citizens-driven Transformation (ACT). The Executive Director, Dr. Kingsley Nwanyanwu, stated in Port Harcourt, yesterday, that the programme was part of the organisation’s commitment towards capacity-building and improving the livelihood and financial wellbeing of such women and girls in Rivers.
First batch of trainees comprised 30, who acquired fashion skills, gearing up to start their own businesses to enable them earn a living, improve their financial wellbeing and cope with the current economic situation in the country.
Nwanyanwu said: “We do this by building their skills and earning capacity in the fashion industry. We are determined to create a world where persons with special needs are empowered, made competent and independent.”
Speaking through an interpreter, one of the beneficiaries, Tochi Ibe, thanked the organisers of the programme for the training, which, according to her, has given them the opportunity to earn a living and live independently.
A trainer, Queen Ellah, commended the organisers and charged the beneficiaries to remain focused and utilise the opportunity. She called on the state government to borrow a leaf from the organisation and create an enabling environment for PWDs in the state.
